The rise of quarterback [autotag]KJ Jefferson[/autotag] is what has propelled Arkansas football to higher expectations heading into the 2022 season.
Jefferson completed 67% of his passes for 2,676 yards last season. His return has Razorbacks fans and the national media alike believing that Arkansas has a high chance of dethroning Alabama for the top spot in the SEC West.
While Jefferson has the talent to become one of the league’s best quarterbacks this fall, he can credit most of last season’s success to his No. 1 target, [autotag]Treylon Burks[/autotag].
Burks reeled in 1,104 yards last season, and was on the receiving end of 11 of Jefferson’s 21 touchdown passes last season. Burks has moved on to the NFL after being selected 18th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft, leaving a huge spot to fill on offense.
On3 recently ranked listed the key departure for each program in the SEC West, whether it be due to the transfer portal or NFL Draft. For Arkansas, the selection is clearly Burks. On3 says that it will be hard to replicate the production that Burks handled in 2021, but believes that one playmaker will step up to fill that role.
Burks was the go-to playmaker for the Razorbacks, with Arkansas OC [autotag]Kendal Briles[/autotag] force-feeding the ball to the 6-2, 225-pound wideout with bubble-screens, quick slants and pop passes. Burks graded out as the No. 1 receiver in the SEC, per Pro Football Focus, and 607 of his 1,110 yards came after the catch. Burks was also extremely sure-handed, dropping just three balls all season despite a heavy workload. The Hogs are hoping former 5-star Oklahoma transfer [autotag]Jadon Haselwood[/autotag]can play a similar role but those are some major shoes to fill in 2022.
Who else joins Burks as one of the SEC West’s key departures? Here’s a look at On3’s picks: